International Peace Building Security & Development Practice

90 ECTS credits are required to complete the MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice. Learners must complete four compulsory taught modules (35 credits in total) – Introduction to Peace Processes and Conflict Intervention; Theory and Practice of Mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue in Peace-building; Conflict, Development and Security; Research Methods, as well as one of Introduction to Development Theory and Practice or Contemporary Global Issues, Challenges and Responses (10 credits). They can also choose from a number of elective modules to make up the remaining 15 taught credits. These address subjects such as: participatory development and leadership, the environment and development, managing development organisations, gender, identity and inclusion.



In addition, MA learners complete a 30-credit research-based thesis. The Research Methods module and final research thesis are completed in their final year. Learners cannot commence their final research thesis without having successfully completed all taught modules.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class Honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a development related discipline (e.g. agricultural science, anthropology, economics, education, engineering, geography, health-related discipline, nutrition, rural development, sociology or other social science etc.) or a recognised international equivalent. Those with a professional background in work related to international development are particularly welcome to apply. In exceptional cases, applicants without a primary degree may be considered on the strength of their professional work experience, other qualifications and completion of a qualifying essay.

MH54N: 1 year full-time

MH55N: 2 years part-time



A flexible approach to delivery is offered with students studying through a combination of on-campus delivery and online learning. Please note that is not possible to complete the full MA programme entirely online. Some modules require on-campus attendance.



A flexible approach to on-campus delivery is also taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 8-10 weeks, and others offered through more concentrated blocks of time, depending on timetable requirements and arrangements. Online learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester and it includes some face-to-face interaction as well as structured materials and discussions online.



Full-time learners complete the full programme in a year.

Closing Date : 14 August 2026

The MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice prepares learners to work in conflict resolution, negotiation, development, and humanitarian related fields either overseas or in Ireland.



This programme gives graduates knowledge, skills and competencies to work in:

• International Development and Peacebuilding NGOs

• Security Organisations

• International Organisations such as UN, EU and World Bank

• Government Agencies and Departments



The programme is appropriate for early career professionals as well as those already working in security management, humanitarian work, peace education, youth and community work or policy analysis who wish to ‘upskill’ and to integrate an international conflict, security and development dimension to their practice.



Envisaged roles include:

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

• Conflict Analysis Researchers or Advisors

• Military and security analysis

• Peacebuilding Policy Officer and Advocate

• Political Affairs Specialist

• Peace education practitioner

• Researcher or Advisor on Gender and Security

• Researcher or Advisor on Peacebuilding, Environment and Security

• Project Manager

• Communications Advisor

• Learning and Policy Officer

• Safety and Security Manager or Advisor

• Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Officer

• Conflict and Humanitarian Advocate